Catch the 2021 Young Horse Forum online

Just in time for Easter, the British Dressage Young Horse Forum is back for 2021!  Following the positive feedback from members for our first ‘virtual’ National Convention in November, we’re going digital again so you can view this year’s event from the comfort of home, when it suits you, for just £20.  As in previous years, we have a great programme lined up under the guidance of BD Training Director Paul Hayler, who is joined by FEI 5* judge Isobel Wessels and some world class combinations to demonstrate each of the age groups.

Paul and Isobel will take you through the training steps for horses from a start point at four years, up the levels to seven year olds, as well as providing insight as to what judges are looking for at every stage of development.  They’ll reflect on the Scales of Training and their application in each age group, to help nurture youngsters and give them a sound base for the more advanced work as they grow, develop and mature.

Our presenters need little introduction. As a rider, Isobel has produced several young horses through to Grand Prix, while as a judge she’s officiated at the World Breeding Championships, the highest accolade you can get in young horse judging.  Isobel has also been selected for the panel at this year’s FEI Senior European Championships in Hagen.  As part of Team Hayler, Paul is a renowned producer of horses and a prolific rider throughout the levels to big tour. As a coach, he’s in high demand for riders at all levels of ability, helping them to get the best from their horse by focusing on getting the basics right while keeping everything fun.

We’ve lined up some great demo combinations for Paul and Isobel to work with in each session, to help bring their words of wisdom to reality.

Session	Horse	Rider	Owner
Producing the four year old: the Scales of Training	Hawtins Federica (Farrell x Desperados)	Lucinda Elliot	Judith Davis
Four year old championship test demonstration: what the judge is looking for	Lara-Obertje (Florencio x Jazz)	Harvey White	Jenny Welham
Training the five year old: the scales of training	Headmore Valentina (Vilancio x Rubinstein)	Alice Oppenheimer	Sarah Oppenheimer
Five year old championship test demonstration: what the judge is looking for and FEI directives	Koko II (Desperado x Johnson)	Sarah Wilkinson	Sarah Wilkinson
Training the six year old: the scales of training	Kakalina (For Romance x Wynton)	Lucy Cartright	Lucy Cartright
Six year old championship test demonstration: what the judge is looking for and FEI directives	Wurlitzer (Totilas x San Amour)	Alice Oppenheimer	Rebecca Hulme
Training and developing the seven year old: the scales of training, potential problems and the next steps	Damaris S (s. Don Frederic)	Calum Whitworth	Calum Whitworth
Seven year old championship test demonstration: what the judge is looking for and FEI directives

BD Training Director Paul Hayler commented; “Last year’s National Convention was such a success and as we’re now more accustomed to getting our training content online it seemed the perfect opportunity for the Young Horse Forum to also go digital.  We hope the programme and sessions will appeal to everyone; riders, coaches, judges, breeders, producers, fans – there’s something for all dressage enthusiasts, no matter what your role in the sport.

“I’m really looking forward to Isobel joining me, as there aren’t many who have such a good eye for young horses and her breadth of knowledge is incredible. And you’ll have access to the content for three months, giving you plenty of time to watch again at your leisure to pick up her expert hints, tips and advice.”

Tickets are on sale now for just £20, which will provide access to watch the Young Horse Forum from 2 April onwards, with the content available until 30 June.  So you can watch the sessions as and when it suits you.  With some of the lockdown restrictions still in place, you might want to ‘binge watch’ all seven sessions over the Easter break, or you can take them in one by one.  Most importantly, you can watch again on demand at any time for up to 90 days.  

CLICK HERE to buy your digital access pass